Gimli RM Raises Treaty One Nations Flag in Honour of Reconciliation and Unity

A Symbolic Gesture: Municipal Government Commits to Strengthening Bonds with First Nations and Fostering Cultural Awareness

January 19, 2024 – Gimli, MB, Treaty No. 1 Territory –

The Treaty One Nations and the Rural Municipality of Gimli are proud to announce a landmark event held this morning in the spirit of reconciliation and partnership. The Municipal Government of Gimli has committed to raise the Treaty One Nations flag on its newest flagpole installation, located outside of the Rural Municipality Office of Gimli.

“The Treaty One Flag-Raising Ceremony is a powerful symbol of unity and recognition of our sovereignty as Nations,” stated Peguis First Nation Chief Stanley Bird. “By raising the Treaty One flag here in Gimli, we are acknowledging the importance of collaboration and healthy relations between our Treaty Nations and local municipalities, which is the way the Treaty intended. My home community has had a very close relationship with Gimli for several generations, so I am thankful that my relatives can now look up to the Treaty One flag with pride every time we pass by the Rural Municipality Offices in Gimli.”

Adopted under the guidance of Gimli Council, this flag-raising marks a significant milestone in fostering mutual respect and understanding between the Treaty One Nations and the Gimli community, symbolizing their commitment to honour the historical and ongoing contributions of Turtle Island’s First Peoples within their ancestral homelands.

“This ceremony is a demonstration of our commitment to reconciliation and inclusivity,” said Gimli Mayor Kevin Chudd. “The Treaty One flagpole installment will serve as a positive step towards building stronger relationships and promoting cultural awareness for the citizens of Gimli—we are honoured to host this event and look forward to continuing to work towards creating a more harmonious, united community for all.”

Opening Prayers were led by Treaty One Knowledge Keepers Council representative for Peguis First Nation, James Sinclair, with Opening Remarks provided by Gimli Mayor Kevin Chudd, Peguis First Nation Councillor Donna Sutherland, Treaty One Promise Keepers Council representative for Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Hevyn-Lee Martens, Ovide Mercredi on behalf of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Treaty Commissioner Loretta Ross of Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, and Manitoba MLA for Keewatinook, Cabinet Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations and Minister for Indigenous Economic Development, the Honourable Ian Bushie.

Created in May 2020, The Treaty One flag design represents the intent of the Treaties to last, ‘As long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the rivers flow.’ The Treaty One flag incorporates that original spirit and intent of the Treaties: the green, to represent the grass; the blue, to represent the waters; and the yellow, to represent the sun. The red represents the circle of life and the red people who inhabit this land, while the seven points around the sun represent the seven First Nations who are signatory to Treaty No. 1.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Vic Savino
Director of Communications, Treaty One Nation
vsavino@treaty1.ca | 204-770-0392

Kelly Cosgrove
Chief Administrative Officer, Rural Municipality of Gimli
Phone: 204-642-6657 | Email: kcosgrove@rmgimli.com